Being cold isn’t why you get a cold

WHAT:  As cold and flu season ramps up – even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic – some people still follow the old adage of “Don’t go outside without a coat; you’ll catch a cold.”

Libby Richards, an associate professor of nursing in Purdue University’s College of Health and Human Sciences, says that is not necessarily true and explains how people are more vulnerable to catch colds and the flu during the winter.   

EXPERT:  Richards specializes in public and population health nursing, including the importance of vaccinations, flu safety and exercise.

QUOTE: “Many viruses, including rhinovirus – the usual culprit in the common cold – and influenza, remain infectious longer and replicate faster in colder temperatures. That’s why these viruses spread more easily in winter. Wearing a heavy coat won’t necessarily make a difference.”

THE CONVERSATION: Richards authored an article for The Conversation, “Will going out in the cold give you a cold?” The Conversation publishes news analysis pieces from university experts and makes the articles available to other media outlets. News outlets may republish this article at no charge by following Creative Commons guidelines; details are available on the article webpage. 

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to today’s toughest challenges. Ranked the No. 5 Most Innovative University in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery. Committed to hands-on and online, real-world learning, Purdue offers a transformative education to all. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels, enabling more students than ever to graduate debt-free. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap at https://purdue.edu/.

Writer: Matthew Oates, 765-586-7496 (cell), oatesw@purdue.edu, @mo_oates

Source: Libby Richards, earichar@purdue.edu, @LibbyAnnR1

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